While some manufacturers are now running to catch up in the hybrid race, Lexus is still comfortably ahead and showing them how things should be done, writes Robin Roberts Lexus and parent Toyota Group were among the first to apply hybrid technology to their ranges over two decades ago and the models which can potentially benefit most are the big SUV type RX series. The latest and current … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW X4 3.0d M Sport
Marking boxes is what it’s about with the BMW X4, says Robin Roberts. This beefy brother to the 3 Series was introduced to fill a niche of the market where Audi, Porsche, even Land Rover, have been plugging away with their SUVs. Without losing the 3 Series agility, the X4 brings added ability with its intelligent all-wheel-drive transmission and that is useful on slippery roads or … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda CX- 5 AWD 2.2
In an industry that thrives on awards and recognition, the trophy for modesty would go to Mazda, writes Robin Roberts To many it’s a one-model marque made famous by the sporting MX-5, but in reality and among those in the know, there is a much bigger range behind it including hatchbacks, business executive models, and SUVs. The CX-5 SUV is one of the least known of its type and probably not … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW Passat GTE Hybrid Estate
Despite all its recent faults there is no denying that Volkswagen do make some very good cars, like the Passat Estate with the latest hybrid powertrain, says Robin Roberts. A well-designed small petrol engine seamlessly works in conjunction with an electric motor to give the medium sized Passat estate a surprisingly lively and economical performance with a low tax bill. The latest Passat … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: CoY Peugeot 3008 120 GT Line
The Peugeot 3008 has rightly carved out a niche for itself in the SUV sector and this week was declared Car of the Year 2017, writes Robin Roberts. Building on the strength of the smaller 2008, the larger car in the SUV family was an instant success when launched a few years ago and has now been extensively updated. Not only does it have the latest Euro6 engines and sophisticated powertrains … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Vauxhall Mokka X 1.4T auto
The compact Vauxhall Mokka Crossover/SUV first launched in 2013 and received a major refresh at the end of 2016, when one of its additions to differentiate from past versions was to bear the additional branding of X, writes David Miles. Its main competitors, there are numerous others, are the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, MINI Countryman, Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008. With high … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Mondeo Vignale 4WD
When a giant moves it may not be often but everyone takes notice, says Robin Roberts. Ford held onto the Vignale coach-building name for 42 years before applying it to a hand-finished Mondeo which appeared in 2016 and now its picking up momentum and will be appearing on more bespoke cars. Ford acquired the Vignale name along with Ghia in the early 1970s and while it quickly introduced the … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2WD
The RAV4 mid-sized SUV was first introduced in 1994 and billed by Toyota as the first compact 4WD SUV. Since then there has been a continual supply of new and updated models and the latest major change is the introduction of petrol electric Hybrid two and four wheel drive versions. With the Hybrid’s 2.5-litre VVT-i variable valve timing petrol engine plus an electric motor for the 2WD … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Ford Fiesta ST Line
It’s easy to understand why the Fiesta is Britain’s best seller, says Robin Roberts. There’s an enormous range from under £14,000 to over £23,000 with a choice of 5 trims, two body-styles, petrol or diesel engines with automatic available and you know its going to be in demand when you want to sell. Despite its dominance of the city-car sector, Ford cannot resist dabbling with the Fiesta and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: Jaguar XE 2.0D Portfolio AWD
When Jaguar launched their XE four door compact executive saloon car range in 2015 it was heralded as a ‘game-changer’ for the brand, writes David Miles. It filled the long held gap left in the brand’s range following the exit of the unloved X-Type put out to grass in 2009. The XE was a must-have for the brand, especially in the fleet and business user-chooser market sector where … [Read more...]
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